Conceptionmoons: planning a baby-making holiday

In this article

As most couples know, getting pregnant often takes more than one night of magic. The reasons for the long wait, up to a year or longer for many couples, can be many and complicated. But one thing that can hinder conception is something we all face from time to time - stress (NCCWCH 2013:61-2).

What is a conceptionmoon?

A conceptionmoon is a break that you and your husband dedicate to getting pregnant. The idea is to relax, rekindle the fire in your relationship and make conception special

How do conceptionmoons work?

Conceptionmoons work by relaxing you and your husband, and reminding you why you fell in love in the first place. Stress may inhibit conception because it can affect the part of your brain (the hypothalamus) that regulates your hormones (Kaplan and Manuck 2004, Nakamura et al 2010).

The hypothalamus is the gland in the brain that controls the hormones required to release your eggs. This gland also regulates your husband's testosterone levels.

Not only that, but if you or your husband is feeling stressed, you may feel less interested in having sex. It goes without saying that having sex less frequently is not going to help your chances of conceiving (NCCWCH 2013:61, 67 ).

Stress can even play havoc with your menstrual cycle, leading you to ovulate later than usual, or not at all (Kaplan and Manuck 2004, Nakamura et al 2010).

How can we make the most of our break?

Take a good look at how you like to relax. Ask yourselves whether you prefer the beach or the countryside, or if a city break is more your thing.

You don't have to go far or spend a lot of money. Just make sure the environment you choose will help you unwind. Then get out the calendar and plan a break when you're likely to be most fertile.

If you have other children, see if you can arrange for a family member to look after them. (If your mum has been nagging you for more grandchildren, call her first.)

Don't bring your stress with you on holiday. Leave your mobile phones at home. If you can't bring yourself to be truly out of touch, take your phone but promise yourself to switch it off after a certain time.

Finally, relax. Catch up on sleep, eat good food, and enjoy each other, in and out of bed.

What if we can't get away for a holiday?

If you just can't take a break, try to reduce stress levels at home. You can do this by:

taking time out to meditate (Chiesa and Serretti 2009, Praissman 2008)

Basically, do whatever helps you to take a deep breath and get some peace.

At the same time, make an effort to spend time with your husband. Try a dinner for two. If you can afford to, take a day off work together. And if you know you're ovulating and can arrange it, consider a night in a nearby hotel.

Homan GF, Davies M, Norman R. 2007. The impact of lifestyle factors on reproductive performance in the general population and those undergoing infertility treatment: a review. Hum reprod Update 13(3):209-23

Comments

My name is Ruby from USA,I was cured of picos and infertility by an african herbalist called Dr.Azuba.I ordered for his herbal drugs and i was on these drugs for four weeeks and the following month i missed my period and went for a pregnancy test and hurry i was pregnant!You too can have a baby contact Dr.Azuba to get these herbs today.azubaspelltemple@gmail.com or tel+2348149271063,website:https://azubaspelltemple.wordpress.com.

My wife and i have been looking for a baby ,so my wife contacted Dr ogogodu for help and after two month my wife got pregnant so if you need is help contact him on email Ogogodutempleofsolution@gmail.com or call him +2348078999655
testify by me Mr and Mrs Johnson

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.

Support for your parenting journey. Delivered to your inbox.

My Baby This Week Newsletter

Keep up with your baby’s development with personalized weekly newsletters.